O'Reilly Press Room: Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0: Learn Programming Now! How to program for Windows Phone 7, Xbox 360, Zune devices, and more--New from Microsoft Press

Sebastopol, CA—Now you can build your own games for your Xbox 360®, Windows® Phone 7, or Windows-based PC—as you learn the underlying concepts for computer programming. Microsoft® XNA® Game Studio 4.0: Learn Programming Now! (Microsoft Press, $29.99 USD) allows you to dive straight into your first project—adding new tools and tricks to your arsenal as you go. No experience required.

"Technologies like XNA give people the power to bring their game ideas to life," says author Rob Miles (@robmiles). "They are also a great way to spark an interest in the craft of writing computer programs. With the advent of XNA on the Windows phone, we have a perfect platform to create fun games that are really simple to write and," he smiles, "it's an easy way for writers to profit from their work."

When asked why he wrote this particular book, Miles pauses to think. "The world needs more programmers," he says. "People are put off the by the perceived complexity of writing programs. If this book helps folks get a start at programming, then that is great. In the future, pretty much everything will be powered by software. It is important that we have enough people who are able to create it."

Learn XNA and C# fundamentals—and increase the challenge with each chapter
Write code to create and control game behavior
Build your game's display—from graphics and text to lighting and 3-D effects
Capture and cue sounds
Process input from keyboards and gamepads
Create features for one or multiple players
Tweak existing games—and invent totally new ones

For a review copy or more information please email gretchen@oreilly.com. Please include your delivery address and contact information.

About the Author

Rob Miles has been teaching computer programming for more than 25 years. An expert on Visual C#® and a Microsoft® MVP for Device Application Development, Rob enjoys inspiring new and experienced programmers. As well as writing his own games, programs, and poetry, Rob has consulted on a wide range of commercial software projects.

View Rob Miles's full profile page.

Additional Resources
For more information about the book, including table of contents, author bios, and cover graphic, see: http://oreilly.com/catalog/0790145310187

About Microsoft Press
Microsoft Press is a division of Microsoft Corporation. Established in 1985, Microsoft Press publishes self-paced learning materials on Microsoft products and associated technologies. Microsoft Press products are available in a variety of formats for individual users, IT professionals, and developers. Since 2009, Microsoft and O'Reilly Media have shared the editorial direction and development of Microsoft Press products. O'Reilly also handles sales, distribution, customer service, and some administrative functions.

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Microsoft XNA Game Studio 4.0: Learn Programming Now! How to program for Windows Phone 7, Xbox 360, Zune devices, and more--New from Microsoft Press

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